Developing countries have addressed the problem of unequal world information flow by proposing the New World Information Order (NWIO), a set of guidelines suggesting a framework for the establishment of more equitable flow of information. Although the unanimous adoption of the 1980 NWIO resolution by Unesco has done much to legitimize Third World demands, the resolution has no legally binding force and it is unlikely that the developed countries will readily give up their superior position in the flow of information. Incorporating the NWIO principles into the body of international law would be one way to compel the developed nations to cooperate with Third World countries in establishing the NWIO. The resolution could become international law if (1) its principles become the actual practice of states over a period of time, (2) bilateral treaties based on the resolution are created between nations, or (3) a convention--an intergovernmental treaty based on the resolution--is passed and ratified by member states. Developed countries are likely to benefit whether they obey or disobey future NWIO laws, but by broadening their perception of self-interest (i.e., by recognizing those concerns in which the good of lesser nations is also the good of developed nations) they may become willing to observe NWIO principles. Strategies for Third World countries to gain strength in information-related resources might make a crack in the existing information flow, at which time developed nations may be more ready to cooperate in establishing an equitable flow of information. (HTH)